Players from 10 to 87 years old played tubas of all sizes at the Chicago stop on the annual “TubaChristmas” tour.
What is it like to hear more than 300 tubas playing holiday music in the Grand Ballroom of the Palmer House Hilton?
“It’s a warm hug,” said William Johnson, one of the participating musicians.
That was the sensation felt Saturday during the “TubaChristmas” show, conducted by Michael Colburn, former director of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band.
Gleaming silver and gold bells produced a rich, low sound that vibrated underneath the feet and through the chests of the audience.
The instruments were as varied as the players, who ranged in age from 10 to 87. Among the brass were tubas in various keys, euphoniums, sousaphones and even a serpent-like “ophicleide,” invented in the early 19th century. Some were even decked out in colorful Christmas lights.
Now in its 50th year, the event showcases the melodic prowess of the instrument, which is often underrated. Chicago was just one stop on the show’s tour of over 300 cities internationally.
“It just keeps growing,” said Thomas Phillips, vice president of the Harvey Phillips Foundation, which oversees the event. “It’s a snowball effect. In the old days, people would say, ‘Who am I going to get to play tuba in my band?’ Nowadays, they have kids coming in saying, ‘I want to be the tuba player.
